Analysis of the Curative Effect of the Anterior Approach to the Lower Cervical Spine for Cervicothoracic Spinal Tuberculosis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical effect of the anterior approach to the lower cervical spine for cervicothoracic spinal tuberculosis (CTSTB).

Methods: A total of 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) with CTSTB diagnosed by imaging examination and γ-interferon test, underwent the first stage lesion removal, bone grafting and internal fixation through the anterior approach to the lower cervical spine, were studied. Then, the clinical efficacy was evaluated using statistical analysis based on the materials about the Cobb angle of kyphosis, visual analog scale (VAS), Frankel grade, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results: All patients' age ranged from 28 to 64 years (mean 46.2 ± 16.3). The mean operation time was 145 minutes (range 90-180 mins), intraoperative blood loss was 425 mL (range 200-1000 mL), and the average bone fusion time was 7.4 months. Postoperative neurological function of Frankel grading was significantly improved compared with that of preoperative. At final follow-up, the kyphosis angle was significantly decreased to 10 ± 2.1°, the mean VAS score was 1.6 ± 0.9 showing significant improvement, ESR and CRP returned to normal. The incidence of complications within 3 months after surgery was 25%, and the incidence of complications directly related to surgery was 12.5% (cerebrospinal fluid leakage).

Conclusion: On the basis of familiarity with the anatomical structure and combining with the experience of the surgeon, the anterior approach to the lower cervical spine can be an effective treatment method for CTSTB.